What is the meaning of the term “soteria”?

November 15, 2015

The term soteria refers to the state of ultimate meaningful existence that is attained when the fundamental problems of individual human existence have been resolved. The essential purpose of all Jewish religious systems past and present, and of religions generally, is to provide the human person with beliefs (such as regarding the word God and the afterlife), values, and observances that enable the individual to progress toward the attainment of soteria. In Polydoxy, where freedom prevails, more than one path to soteria exists. Some persons will choose one set of beliefs, values, and practices to attain soteria, others will choose another. The spiritual leader of a Polydox community has no function more important than providing all possible assistance to members of the community in their quest for soteria.

The term “soteria” is distinguished from the term “salvation” in this way. “Salvation” has historically referred to a state of ultimate meaningful existence that is attained by a supernatural “saving” of humans. “Soteria” is broader in meaning. “Soteria” refers to the state of ultimate meaningful existence whether attained through supernatural means, as in the case of “salvation,” or naturally, through the ordinary processes of nature.